WILLEY, Donald John (Grumpy)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2014 - U.S. Air Force 1955-1959 — our country is in mourning — a veteran died today; Donald John Willey, known to family and friends as “Grumpy”, passed away at his home in Lake Havasu City, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. He was born Nov. 7, 1936 in Huntington Park, Calif. to the late Jack and Phamie Willey. Grumpy lived for most of his life in southern California. He had a lifetime career with Rockwell Boeing as a technical rider on the B-1 Bomber and served in the U.S. Air force. He married the love of his life in 1961. The couple had two sons and raised their family in Riverside, Calif. In 2001, Grumpy settled into Arizona where he fell in love with the desert sunsets. During his free time, Grumpy liked camping and motorcycle racing. He had a collection of Donald Ducks and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs memorabilia. He was a proud member of the American Legion. Grumpy enjoyed reading and was a member of the Platinum Expert Author and Tech Publication book clubs. Grumpy really loved his family and his dogs. He was a true team leader throughout his life, always teaching and guiding his family. Grumpy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Evelyn Willey; sons, Jeffery Dean Willey and John Charles Willey both of Lake Havasu City; sister-in- law Sharon Sorensen of California; brother-in-law Dale Pearce of Missouri; niece, Vicki; and nephew, Mike. A graveside service with military honors will take place for Donald at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif. at a later date. Services were placed into the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Grumpy’s family at www.lietz- frazefuneralhome.com.